Lemon Drizzle One Bowl Cake

Teatime has been busy recently, as you might have guessed! I pretty much created this mini series because I was in need of some cake. I tend to give quite a lot of the trials away, and someone said this was the best lemon drizzle they had ever eaten. So maybe give this one a go!

I wanted to create some recipes that feel truly effortless—no machines, just a hand whisk! You might get some big muscles in one arm from beating the butter and sugar together. This cake is so moreish with a sour, sugary crunch for the topping. I love the simplicity of this cake, yet the texture is wonderfully fluffy with a strong lemon flavour!

Take a look at some of my other easy bake cakes, perfect paired with an afternoon cup of tea.

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 230g unsalted butter, softened and diced

  • 230g caster sugar

  • 4 medium eggs, lightly beaten

  • 8 tbsp whole milk

  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)

  • 130g ground almonds (or swap for 100g flour)

  • 160g spelt/plain flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder, sieved

  • 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

  • Zest of 2 lemons

  • Pinch of salt

For the Lemon Drizzle:

  • 160ml lemon juice (about 3.5 lemons)

  • 140g caster sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 9-inch cake tin or a standard 2L loaf tin with baking paper.

  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together using a hand whisk until light and fluffy—this should take about 5 minutes.

  3. Add Eggs: Add one egg and beat until fully combined, then add another and repeat the process.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add in the spelt/plain flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, salt, and ground almonds (if using flour instead of almonds, add 100g). Mix everything together gently.

  5. Finish the Batter: Crack in the last two eggs and mix until just combined. Stir in the milk, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest. Be careful not to overmix!

  6. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

  7. Make the Lemon Drizzle: While the cake is still hot, gently poke holes all over the top with a toothpick. Mix together the lemon juice and caster sugar for the drizzle, then pour it all over the cake. Let the cake cool completely. The sugar will create a lovely crystal top, giving the cake a delightful crunch.

  8. Serve and Store: Slice and enjoy this beautifully moist and tangy Lemon Drizzle Cake. It will keep covered for up to 3 days.

This One Bowl Lemon Drizzle Cake is perfect for a quick and easy bake that packs a punch of lemony goodness. It’s fluffy, flavourful, and topped with a sweet, sour crunch that makes it simply irresistible. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!